Can anyone tell me what I’m looking at? Why is the paint peeling so easily? This is a new-to-us 1948 home. It hasn’t had many owners, the green might be original (or at least earliest paint) going by the layers in a room I have scraped some.

A questioner said:
Can anyone tell me what I’m looking at? Why is the paint peeling so easily? This is a new-to-us 1948 home. It hasn’t had many owners, the green might be original (or at least earliest paint) going by the layers in a room I have scraped some.We are redoing it at some point. Editing to add, I moved in last week. We didn’t paint this, Lol, I just started to peel it. I now know that it’s probably leaded and to be careful when I deal with it. Thanks!!!

Some of the people comments on it:

2.I’m dealing with that too. I have been sitting and peeling paint when I have nothing else to do.

 I would love to find some real oil based paint that stuff is BULLET PROOF… I bet that is the same color that is under my latex paint too!! Two of my friends also have the color maybe it will come back in style 

3.Yep , that’s latex paint… painted over top of oil based paint!!! 

4.Is that oil based on the bottom??? You can’t put latex on top. That is why I have stripped 100’s of feet of woodwork

5.Could it be that oil-based paint is on the trim and it was painted over with latex paint which doesn’t last. Just a thought

6.your wall was not prepped correctly when it was changed over from oil based paint to latex paint

7.You can buy updated wood trim from Lowe’s. I suggest removing that old stuff and putting on new. Also gets rid of peel and lead based paint

Peel what you can and lightly sand and repaint . It adds “Character “ 

9.I have that happening on kitchen walls!! Old owner painted, how do you remedy this issue on walls? So I have to remove all the wall paint before priming??

10.Yip that’s latex painted over oil base paint.

11.It could be latex paint on oil paint. Benjamin Moore has great primer and paints.

12.this happens when latex is applied over oil based paint also. best to test/safe is better than sorry.

13.They put latex over oil paint. This happened in my parents 1950s home.

15.The white paint was applied over glossy green paint without roughing up the gloss.

16.I had this problem too. So we lightly hand sanded everything, cleaned it, used a primer the paint store recommended and then painted it with new latex paint. Hope this helps.

17.Water based over oil based does that. So does empty homes w no temperature controls.

19.I’d have the home tested for lead paint and safety before reentering. If you don’t know why this is happening, that’s a good sign that you don’t know how to safety deal with potential health hazards like lead paint and should probably leave it to the experts!

20.Probably latex over oil based paint

What do you think? Leave a comment on the post!

Buying an older home is always an adventure, especially when it comes to understanding the quirks and nuances that come with it. If you’ve recently moved into a 1948 home and noticed the paint peeling off easily, you’re not alone. Many homeowners of older properties encounter similar issues. Let’s explore some potential reasons why this might be happening and what you can do about it.

Possible Reasons for Peeling Paint

Aging Paint Layers

• • Historical Layers: If the green paint you’re seeing is original or among the earliest layers, it has likely endured decades of wear and tear. Paint from the mid-20th century, even if it was of good quality at the time, wasn’t designed to last indefinitely. Over time, exposure to sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and humidity can cause the paint to deteriorate and lose its adhesion.

Improper Surface Preparation

• • Lack of Priming: Older homes often have layers of paint that were applied without the benefit of modern primers. Primers help paint adhere better to surfaces. If previous owners skipped this step, the paint might peel more easily now.
  • Dirty or Damp Surfaces: Paint won’t adhere well to surfaces that are dirty or damp. Over the years, dust, grease, or moisture might have compromised the surface integrity before a new coat was applied.

Environmental Factors

• • Moisture Intrusion: Homes built in 1948 might have less effective moisture barriers than newer homes. Moisture can seep into walls from various sources—leaky roofs, poorly sealed windows, or high humidity—and cause the paint to peel.
  • Temperature Extremes: Significant temperature changes can cause the materials under the paint to expand and contract. This movement can make the paint lose its grip on the surface and start peeling.

Lead-Based Paint

• • Lead Paint Characteristics: Until the late 1970s, lead-based paint was commonly used. This type of paint can become brittle with age and is prone to peeling. If your home’s earliest paint layers are from the 1940s or 1950s, they might contain lead, which requires special handling.

Multiple Paint Layers

• • Build-up of Layers: Over time, multiple layers of paint can build up. Each layer adds weight and can cause stress on the underlying paint, leading to peeling. If these layers weren’t properly adhered in the first place, the problem can be more pronounced.

What Can You Do About It?

Test for Lead Paint

• • Lead Test Kits: Purchase a lead test kit from a hardware store to check if the peeling paint contains lead. If it does, you’ll need to follow specific safety guidelines to remove it, potentially hiring professionals.

Prepare Surfaces Properly

• • Scrape and Sand: Remove as much of the peeling paint as possible using a scraper and sandpaper. Ensure the surface is smooth and clean before applying new paint.
  • Prime the Surface: Use a high-quality primer appropriate for the surface material. This step is crucial for ensuring the new paint adheres well.

Address Moisture Issues

• • Fix Leaks and Seal Gaps: Check for and repair any sources of moisture in your home. Ensure windows and doors are well-sealed, and consider installing a dehumidifier if humidity is a problem.
  • Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation in areas like bathrooms and kitchens can reduce moisture buildup that might lead to peeling paint.

Choose the Right Paint

• • High-Quality Paint: Invest in high-quality paint designed for your specific surface and environmental conditions. Consider using paint with mildew resistance for areas prone to moisture.

Consult Professionals

• • Professional Assessment: Sometimes, consulting a professional painter or contractor can save you time and effort. They can provide an assessment and recommend the best course of action, especially for extensive peeling or lead paint issues.